CROWN — A local man was charged with first degree murder over the weekend following a violent stabbing and shooting incident that left one man dead and another wounded.

Billy Paul Johnston, 40, of Accoville, was arrested in Logan County by West Virginia State Police Trooper J.K. Harris on Aug. 16 for first degree murder in the stabbing death of Jerry Belcher of Crown and attempted murder in the stabbing of Mackie Belcher, also of Crown.

Jerry Belcher was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to police reports, on Aug. 15, WVSP Sgt. B.E. Guthrie, Tpr. P.J. Dick, Tpr. J.T. Robinson and Tpr. J.D. Hensley received a dispatch from 911 about a stabbing and shooting incident at Crown near Man.

Reportedly, the men got into a dispute over some items which led to the fight. Neighbors called the police when they heard gunshots.

“Upon arrival, these officers obtained information that two male victims had been stabbed,” the report states.

Through statements obtained from emergency medical personnel, the officers learned that while in transport to Charleston Area Medical Center, Mackie Belcher stated that Johnston stabbed him and Jerry Belcher. The officers then learned the whereabouts of Johnston, who was arrested and taken into custody.

The police report said Johnston confessed that he had stabbed both Jerry and Mackie Belcher.

Johnston was booked at the Southwestern Regional Jail at Holden at 5:47 a.m.

Johnston was scheduled to appear before one of Logan’s Circuit Court Judges for a bond hearing later this week.